5 Simple Things to Improve the Look of Your Office

While we put a lot of time time and effort into sprucing up our homes, many of us spend 8-odd hours a day elsewhere, in small offices or cubicles. It might not be the place for wallpaper, paint, or fancy rugs, but even small changes can make your work space a happier place.

Work-wise, few things are worse than feeling like a drone. Rather than adding lots of stuff, a few upgrades to your office staples will keep you interested and organized.

Plants: Having a bit of greenery instantly makes your cube less dull, and getting up to water your plants also gives your eyes a break from the computer screen. Pothos works well in my indirectly lit office, or you can try Sansevieria or a peace lily.

Pen holder: You most likely have a handful of writing utensils that need wrangling. At my day job I use a small pottery vessel in my favorite color and that was made by a former coworker. Find handmade and vintage options from Etsy, or seek out Marimekko's latte cups. The cheapest solution is to use a (cleaned) can and cover it with nice paper à la SusyJack.

Lamp: Overhead fluorescent lighting is pretty terrible. As an upgrade, find a task lamp that has some personality and a nicer glow (Image 1). Kristen recently rounded up ones that are under $50, and there are lots of other affordableoptions.